Advice on how to start....

[Antonie.Davis]

Hi all,

 

Really new at this, so keen to get started but find it very difficult to get a straight answer, especially sales guys at the cycling shops.... Got R5k to spend on a mountain bike, had a look at Fuji Nevada 2.0, Scott 30 2012 model and Merida TFS 100, also keen to see the specs on the Schwinn Moab Comp, Giant Revel 0 and Serfas XC1D as per reviews in Bicycling magazine but find it difficult to compare specs, am very confused. Have been advised that I must specify Deore parts and not Alivio for the shifters and derailleurs.... Please HELP as I am super keen to get started...

[ben-johan]

Hi all,

 

Really new at this, so keen to get started but find it very difficult to get a straight answer, especially sales guys at the cycling shops.... Got R5k to spend on a mountain bike, had a look at Fuji Nevada 2.0, Scott 30 2012 model and Merida TFS 100, also keen to see the specs on the Schwinn Moab Comp, Giant Revel 0 and Serfas XC1D as per reviews in Bicycling magazine but find it difficult to compare specs, am very confused. Have been advised that I must specify Deore parts and not Alivio for the shifters and derailleurs.... Please HELP as I am super keen to get started...

Place an ad on the hub .Size is important

[Tankman]

Make it easier for yourself and narrow your choice down to two bikes.

Everyone here will have a different brand that they like.

 

Looks does play a roll, choose the bike that looks the best according to you. Your the one that is going to have to ride it and you must want to ride it when looking at it.

 

There is not much difference in components on all the bikes you mentioned ... you can almost go on looks alone!

 

Oh and you can not specify parts on the bike unless you are willing to pay extra for the upgrades.

 

Out of those, value for money, I'd go with the Merida TFS 100.

[Pusher]

I'm busy looking for a bike for my daughter in the R5000 odd range and I narrowed my choice down to Merida TFS 300 and the Scott Aspect 20.

 

These are the main pros and cons I found:

Scott

Shock: Suntour XCR with variable lockout +

RD: Deore -

Brakes:Shimano M445 160/160 +

 

Merida

Shock: Suntour XCM -

RD: SLX +

Brakes: Tektro Draco 180/160 -

 

There are some other minor differences but the above are the main ones I found.

Both have Alivio shifters and as Tankman mentioned, you will have to up you price if you only want Deore parts.

The handlebar, stem, seat, seat post etc are brand specific.

 

These are the best prices I have been quoted.

 

Merida-Cycle Lab 4-ways R5200 after club discount.

Scott-Westdene Cycles R5265 but stock might be a problem.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited November 27, 2011 by Pusher